Lillian Lucille Abbott

Lillian L. Abbott (nee Nagel), 87, passed from this life into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior in the early hours of February 4, 2012. Lillian had been a resident of Sarasota since 2009.

Lillian was born in Lawton, North Dakota to the late August and Augusta Nagel. After graduating from high school, Lillian left Lawton to attend radio school for the war effort. While living in Pyote, TX Lillian met and married the love of her life, James M. Abbott. They were married on September 8, 1945, and enjoyed almost 54 years of marriage until his death in April, 1999. Their almost 54 years together included 30 years of military life raising their three children, daughters Janet Joyce (husband Jerry) of Tampa, Julia Soderquist (husband David) of Sarasota, and son James of Cary, North Carolina.

After retirement from the military mom and dad returned to Tampa, FL where they knew they always wanted to live. They were most fortunate to have a wonderful retirement together where they were active in their church, New Beginnings Christian Church on Manhattan Ave. They also enjoyed many years of travel in their various motor homes. Their biggest joy was having the family together sitting around the dining room table, enjoying mom's delicious cooking, sharing stories, laughing, and reminiscing about all our times together – of which there were many – but in retrospect not nearly enough.

Mom moved to Sarasota in 2009 to Savannah Grand Assisted Living where she enjoyed herself for almost three years before her death.

Preceding Mom in death are her parents, August and Augusta Nagel, husband James M. Abbott, sisters Carla Legacie and Lenora Nagel, and brother Norman Nagel. Mom was also preceded in death by her grandson Jeffrey Joyce. She leaves behind to mourn her passing, but to also bless her memory, her three children, one grandson, Jason Joyce (wife Jamie), two great grandchildren, Justin and Jalynn, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, 2323 W. Brandon Boulevard on Saturday, February 11th. Visitation is from 10 – 11am, with the service to follow. In lieu of flowers donations in mom's name would be appreciated to the Prader-Willi Association, the
, or New Beginnings Christian Church.

Mom, you will live on in our hearts forever. You truly epitomized the true spirit of motherhood. You were the eternal optimist, always thinking positively, you touched the hearts of many and will be greatly missed. We love you!